The President today declared a major disaster exists in the State of
Indiana and ordered Federal aid to supplement state and local recovery
efforts in the area struck by a severe winter storm on March 9-12, 1998.

The President's action makes Federal funding available to affected
individuals and local governments in a four county area. The counties
include Jasper, Lake, LaPorte, and Porter.

Federal funding also is available to eligible local governments on a
cost-sharing basis for the repair or replacement of public facilities
damaged by the severe winter storm. Federal funding is also available
on a cost-sharing basis for hazard mitigation measures.